Reform UK Removes AI-Generated Attack Ads After Copyright Dispute
Reform UK reportedly used AI-generated attack advertisements featuring illustrator Stanley Chow's copyrighted portrait without permission during the Makerfield by-election campaign. After Chow's legal firm threatened court action, Reform UK removed the posts from social media and billboards without admitting liability, while Chow seeks damages and a public apology.
What happened
Reform UK created and posted AI-generated attack advertisements featuring illustrator Stanley Chow's copyrighted portrait of Andy Burnham, reportedly depicting individuals in a small boat holding 'Vote Andy' placards. The images appeared on social media, billboards and vans as part of campaign literature during the Makerfield by-election.
Stanley Chow's legal representatives at Brabners sent a letter of claim alleging unauthorised use of the portrait and demanding a public apology, compensation of at least £5,000, and removal of the content by a specified deadline. Reform UK subsequently removed the posts from social media channels and Nigel Farage's personal pages, stating they did so 'in good faith and without any admission of liability'.
Reported impact
Chow stated that his work was 'weaponised' against Andy Burnham and used to promote an anti-immigration message he fundamentally disagreed with, misrepresenting what the image stood for.
Governance controls
Reform UK claimed its use of the material 'amounts to fair use' and described the legal action as 'politically motivated', though the party removed the posts without contesting the claim further.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.